Gesshin-in Temple Za-Zen Meditation Experience

Gesshin-in Temple was founded in 1617 and the building, having escaped fire, is the original.
The view from Hojo (the abbot's chamber) and the garden includes the famous Yasaka Pagoda (the pagoda of Hokanji Temple built 450 years ago) which gives you a feeling of by-gone days.
The temple is only open to the general public, by reservation.
The whole temple can be reserved even for individuals or small groups.
You can experience the tea ceremony which is an aesthetic ideal of Japanese culture and Za-Zen which is the spiritual foundation of Japanese culture.
The room for the Tea ceremony and Za-Zen can hold up to 40 people.

Gesshin-in temple belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
Zen is said to be the spiritual center of the Japanese people.
Zen supports the tea ceremony, flower arranging, Japanese dance, Noh-theater and martial arts both philosophically and religiously.
For one hour you will be instructed on how to sit, how to do Za-Zen meditation and have Q&A with a Zen monk.
A lot of time is spent on explaining the most important aspect which is how to breathe.

Regardless of how many people are in the room, it is quieter than you may have ever experienced.
This practice is the most important in Buddhism.
Zen Buddhism doesn't disturb other religions.
People from all over the world and of religions come and Za-Zen can be accepted by anyone.

You will come to realise that sitting seriously and with an empty mind is important.
When your mind gets distracted, you should ask for Keisaku, the warning stick.

After receiving Keisaku, you should feel refreshed.

The Q&A time is held in a relaxing atmosphere after the Za-Zen meditation.
Contact:
529 Shimo Kawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0825.
TEL: +81 75 533 4064
FAX: +81 75 533 4066
E-mail: join-us@gk-temples.com
URL:http://www.gk-temples.com
URL: http://www.do-not-zzz.com